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10 Motorcycles You Can Ride on a CBT Licence
James B · October 08, 2025
Even though a CBT certificate has some restrictions, you still have a lot of options when it comes to bikes, scooters, and mopeds. If you’re excited to get on a bike but don’t have a full A-licence, a CBT is your ticket to the road. While most people might think of mopeds when they hear “CBT,” you can actually choose from a variety of styles, from sports bikes to cruisers. So, even though there are power limits, your style choices aren’t restricted.
The first factor in choosing the right bike is determining what size you're eligible to ride based on your age:
- Age 16: At 16, you can ride a moped with an engine size up to 50cc and a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h).
- Age 17+: Once you're 17 or older, you can ride a motorcycle with an engine size up to 125cc and a maximum power output of 11kW (14.8 bhp).
In our experience, if you’re 17+ it's worth going for the extra power a 125cc scooter or motorbike can provide. It will ensure you can make it up any hills, and if you decide to move onto an A1, A2 or full A-licence you’ll still have enough power to carry passengers. However if you've just passed your CBT licence and you want something small and affordable, there's plenty of great 50cc bikes to consider.
Presuming you know if you’re eligible for a 125cc or 50cc bike, it’s then worth thinking about your end goal. Are you looking to progress to a bigger bike in the near future? If so, a manual 125cc will give you the best experience of riding a geared motorcycle. Or are you happy on a CBT licence and just looking for a scooter to commute to work on? Then an automatic 125cc or 50cc could be the way to go.
So let's go over some solid options across the 50-125 range.
50cc Mopeds
Peugeot Kisbee 50
A top-selling 50cc scooter in the UK, the Kisbee is stylish, compact, and easy to live with — perfect for new riders commuting to school, college, or work. Its lightweight frame and smooth power delivery make it ideal for navigating city streets, and its fuel efficiency means fewer trips to the pump. The Kisbee proves that affordable transport can still look smart.
Pros:
- Lightweight and very easy to handle
- Excellent fuel economy and low running costs
- Widely available across the UK
Cons:
- Limited storage under the seat
- Small-wheel setup not ideal on rough roads
- Modest acceleration (but, that's typical of most 50cc mopeds)
Lexmoto L5 E55
The Lexmoto L5 is a brand-new, fuel-injected 50cc scooter designed for simplicity and reliability. With a 4-stroke engine, automatic transmission, and comfortable seat height, it’s perfect for new riders looking for affordable and modern urban transport. It offers solid build quality and great value, with Lexmoto’s strong UK dealer and parts support.
Pros:
- Fuel-injected 4-stroke engine — efficient and low emissions
- Easy to ride automatic “twist-and-go” setup
- Great value and low running costs
Cons:
- Standard 28 mph top speed limits flexibility
- Modest storage space compared to larger scooters
- Less refined than premium European brands
Vespa Primavera 50
The Vespa Primavera 50 is the perfect blend of style and substance. Its iconic design, smooth power delivery, and premium build quality make it one of the most desirable 50cc scooters available. Perfect for fashion-conscious city commuters who want a timeless classic that’s also easy and efficient to ride.
Pros:
- Great choice of colours
- Smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride
- Excellent resale value and reliability
Cons:
- Premium price for a 50cc
- Slightly heavier than rivals
- Limited under-seat storage
125cc Motorcycles
17 or older? You can ride a 125cc (11Kw max) on L-plates after passing a CBT. For those looking at 125cc scooters and motorcycles, the choice becomes far more varied. Here are 5 different bikes which really show the breadth of motorbike styles you can ride on a CBT licence.
Honda CBF 125
One of the most popular 125cc motorcycles on the market and for good reason. Cheap, reliable and a great learner bike. If you're taking your CBT licence on a 125cc manual it’s likely to be on one of these. It’s lightweight, forgiving, and incredibly economical — a true commuter workhorse. Its balance, reliability, and low running costs make it ideal for anyone learning to ride or using their 125 daily. Read our review of the new Honda CBF 125.
Pros:
- Up to 188 mpg — outstanding fuel economy
- Extremely reliable and easy to ride
- Comfortable, neutral riding position
Cons:
- Basic suspension and styling
- Modest power output
Yamaha YZF-R125
Lightweight, fuel injected supersport style motorcycle. 80Mph top speed, although you won’t be doing that on the roads with a CBT licence! With a Deltabox frame, advanced electronics, and R-series styling, it’s one of the most refined and capable 125s on the market. It’s perfect for sporty riders planning to upgrade to an A2 or full licence later.
Pros:
- Excellent handling and premium build quality
- Sporty design and advanced tech
- Great transition bike for future upgrades
Cons:
- Sporty ergonomics can be uncomfortable on long rides
- Higher insurance than commuter 125s
- Premium pricing
KTM 125 Duke
The first 125cc back in 2013 to have ABS, the Duke is a leading motorcycle in the 125cc range, and arguably the most exciting CBT-legal bike you can buy. Fuel injected, 6 speed engine it’s a seriously fun bike. The more upright riding position makes it a good bike for city riding and dodging those traffic jams.
Pros:
- Fantastic handling and chassis feel
- Packed with modern tech and features
- Excellent build quality and style
Cons:
- Firm suspension on poor roads
- Smaller fuel tank range
- Slightly higher maintenance costs
Kawasaki Ninja 125
Kawasaki’s smallest Ninja combines sharp looks with accessible performance. It’s comfortable, well-balanced, and feels like a proper motorcycle, making it a great choice for new riders who still want style and presence.
Pros:
- Big-bike design and feel
- Smooth, confidence-inspiring power
- Excellent build quality
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than other 125s
- Modest power for its sporty looks
- Pricier than commuter options
Suzuki GSX-S125
Lightweight, agile, and dependable — the GSX-S125 is the sensible all-rounder of the 125 class. Its upright seating and simple controls make it ideal for city commuting or daily riding, with Suzuki reliability baked in.
Pros:
- Light and easy to control
- Excellent fuel efficiency
- Comfortable upright ergonomics
Cons:
- Minimal features compared to rivals
- Basic styling
- Modest wind protection
Honda PCX125 (Scooter)
The Honda PCX125 is the UK’s best-selling scooter for a reason — it’s refined, automatic, and incredibly efficient. With generous storage and low running costs, it’s ideal for commuters who value convenience and reliability.
Pros:
- Simple twist-and-go automatic
- Excellent comfort and under-seat storage
- Great fuel economy and reliability
Cons:
- Not designed for long, fast journeys
- Less engaging than manual 125s
- Compact for taller riders
Husqvarna Svartpilen 125
The Svartpilen 125 brings Scandinavian minimalism to the 125 segment. Built on KTM’s platform, it offers superb handling, premium quality, and unique scrambler-style design. It’s perfect for riders who want something distinctive without compromising performance.
Pros:
- Eye-catching design and premium finish
- Smooth and responsive engine
- Great for city riding or short trips
Cons:
- Firm suspension setup
- Premium pricing
- Smaller fuel tank
So that’s it, 10 of our current favourite motorcycles, mopeds and scooters you can ride after getting your CBT licence.
Whether you start on a 50cc moped or move up to a 125cc motorcycle, all of these bikes are CBT-legal, Euro 5-compliant, and learner-friendly.
When choosing, think about:
- Your age and licence type (16 = 50cc, 17+ = 125cc)
- Where and how you’ll ride: short commutes, city trips, or longer rides
- Insurance, comfort, and maintenance costs
Tip: Book your CBT through RideTo to find trusted instructors and get advice on which first bike fits your needs and goals best.
